Psychology and Criminal Behaviour

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminal Behaviour
Mode: full-time

This course will allow you to focus on a range of criminal behaviours and develops skills in crime mapping, profiling and interview techniques.

The programme examines developmental, psychological, social, environmental and cross-cultural explanations of crime and deviance.

You will have contact with forensic institutions and meet expert practitioners in the criminal justice field.

The course examines the nature of offending behaviour from a variety of psychological perspectives.

There are two main goals. One is to study criminal behaviour in general, to discover patterns within it and arrive at permissible generalisations about it.

The other is to gain an understanding of individuals who commit crimes and what makes them unique.

The course explores the social context of crime and the criminal justice system and treats criminal psychology as a set of knowledge and skills which overlap those of the forensic psychologist.

While there is an emphasis on the psychological aspects of crime, there are links to other social sciences and the kinds of explanations they offer.

Areas of study include:

• Forensic psychology
• Psychology of criminal justice processes
• Applied criminal psychology – criminal minds
• Group processes
• Problem solving
• Critical social psychology

Why choose this course?

• Visits to institutions (prisons, victim support, police headquarters); talks by experts
• Strong practical element including crime mapping and forensic investigation
• Course is unique in the way it examines offending behaviour from a psychological perspective

Career Opportunities

The course is a good preparation for a range of careers that involve working with others including the police, prison service, social work and working with offenders.

The degree would also prepare you for further postgraduate work in any specialist area of psychology.

Entry Requirements

Standard: The general requirement is one of the following: UCAS Tariff Score greater than 160, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award An Access qualification Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma Students from the European Union: As a general guide, to apply for a place on the course you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification as outlined below:

• IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 580, TOEFL 235, Cambridge CPE C Cambridge CAE C or Bedfordshire test (TELAS) grade 2 International students: In determining the equivalence (whether for initial entry or admission with advanced standing of overseas qualifications the University will be guided by the standards generally adopted in British higher education institutions as described by organisations such as the British Council.
• International students can apply direct to the University or via representatives in their home country. English language proficiency as outlined above is also required.